How to Prepare for 2018 Hurricane Season in South Florida

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. The peak of the season, when the most serious hurricanes typically hit, for Florida falls between August and October. The most recent major hurricane, Hurricane Florence, made landfall on the southeast coast of the U.S. on September 14th. Your hurricane preparedness can make the difference between minor and major losses this season. Whether this is your first or 50th hurricane season in South Florida, brush up on your preparedness to improve your safety during a storm.

Keep Up With the Weather

One of the only advantages of living in a hurricane-prone area is some level of warning prior to a hurricane making landfall (unlike more unpredictable natural disasters, such as tornadoes). For the most part, meteorologists can detect and track hurricanes, predicting their possible movement and severity as they progress. Although abrupt changes in the path can and do happen, South Florida residents often know ahead of time if a storm is going to hit. Pay attention to weather reports and take evacuation recommendations seriously. Keep up with the latest forecasts for your region and prepare accordingly.

Stock Your Hurricane Survival Pantry

Food shortages are one of the greatest concerns during hurricane season. Stock a pantry full of nonperishable food items in a “hurricane pantry” in case a bad storm strands you in your home until emergency help arrives. Canned foods, ready-to-eat meals, dry beans, and rice, nut butter, and rolled oats are good nonperishable food items to store in case of an emergency. Keep enough bottled water on hand to last you a few weeks, just in case. Check the expiration dates on your emergency food wares ahead of a forecasted hurricane.

Check Your Emergency Supplies

Hurricane preparedness takes more than stocking up on food and water. An emergency kit can also come in handy if a storm takes out your power, causes property damage, floods your house, traps you at home, or injures someone. Calls for assistance can bombard emergency response teams during natural disasters. Having a few basic items on hand can be of great help if an injury happens and you have to wait for medical responders. Keep a supply kit stocked with emergency first aid items, a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, matches, scissors, garbage bags, toilet paper, extra clothes, and a list of emergency numbers.

Make an Evacuation Plan

In the event of hurricane surge flooding, you will need to evacuate your home as quickly and safely as possible. This starts with knowing what zone you’re in before a hurricane hits. As soon as the news or local authorities order an evacuation for your zone, leave. Under no circumstances should you stay to “wait out the storm.” An evacuation order is serious and could save your life. Know your evacuation plan ahead of time for a timely escape.